Queen’s Road based dental practice, Illume, is highlighting the important role dentists can play in the early identification of mouth cancer to coincide with Mouth Cancer Awareness Day (MCAD), taking place on Wednesday 18th September.
MCAD is an initiative from the Mouth Cancer Foundation which aims to highlight some of the symptoms of this potentially fatal disease to help improve diagnosis and survival rates.
According to the Mouth Cancer Foundation, nearly 8000 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer every year in the UK. Cancers can occur in any part of the mouth, tongue, lips, and adjacent areas like the throat, salivary glands, pharynx, larynx, sinus, and other sites in the head and neck area. In its very early stages, these mouth cancers can be easy to ignore.
The Mouth Cancer Foundation has devised a 10-point checklist that advises dentists how to spot the symptoms of mouth cancer; as an innovative practice at the forefront of its industry, Illume already includes its own screening as part of the routine Healthy Mouth Reviews offered to both regular and new patients.
Illume practice owner, Dr Tim Rumney, says, “We offer all of our patients Healthy Mouth Reviews which include mouth cancer screening as standard. Dentists are in a unique position to be able to spot warning signs that there may be a problem – especially if we have regular contact with patients and know their history. The earlier mouth cancer is spotted, the greater the chances of survival are.”
Illume is currently applying for membership of the Mouth Cancer Screening Accreditation Scheme (MCSAS) which aims to recognise dental practices in the UK that demonstrate a commitment to increasing public awareness of mouth cancer.
Illume will be offering FREE mouth cancer screening at a dedicated open day taking place during Mouth Cancer Action Month in November – more details will be announced shortly, in the meantime, please contact the practice to register your interest.
Find out more about Mouth Cancer by visiting:
The Mouth Cancer Foundation
Mouth Cancer Walk – a 10k walk taking place in Hyde Park, London, on 29th September to raise awareness of mouth cancer. FREE to enter.
Mouth Cancer Action Month, run by the British Dental Health Foundation 1st-30th November 2013